Oscars 2026 preparations are underway: Here are the streets to avoid

Roll out the red carpet — and the road closures.

As the world’s biggest celebrities descend on Hollywood for the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday, Los Angeles drivers are already feeling the impact.

Here is what motorists need to know as crews work to set up the Oscars red carpet outside the Dolby Theatre.

Hollywood Boulevard is already closed from Orange Drive to Highland Avenue, with the roadblock to remain in place for three days after the awards show, until March 18.

While some side streets have been restricted for weeks, the coming days will see the complete transformation of Hollywood’s most iconic corridors into a high-security red-carpet zone.

Significant road closures will begin on Friday, March 13, just 48 hours before the show.

At 12:01 a.m., Hawthorn Avenue will be completely shuttered from Highland Avenue to Orange Drive.

This is a major blow to local traffic, as this stretch will remain closed until Monday morning.

By Saturday morning, March 14, the perimeter tightens even further:

• Orchid Avenue: Access is cut off from 60 feet south of Franklin Avenue down to Johnny Grant Way, restricted only to residents, emergency vehicles, and hotel loading.
• Orange Drive: The block between Johnny Grant Way and Hollywood Boulevard becomes a restricted zone for local residents and business access only.
• Johnny Grant Way: This street will be closed from Highland Avenue to Orange Drive starting at 10:00 p.m.
• Highland Avenue Sidewalks: The west sidewalk of Highland Avenue will be closed from Johnny Grant Way south to Hollywood Boulevard starting at 10:00 p.m.